External Wall Certificates
Following the Grenfell tragedy, there has been considerable media coverage about the risks associated with certain types of cladding materials used in the construction of some blocks of flats.
An EWS is an External Wall System survey. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and lenders in co-operation with government officials, jointly created the EWS1 system. These are extensive surveys that examine and take samples from different parts of the wall system.
The Kew Riverside Park apartment blocks are brick built with no visible use of cladding. However, during August 2020, Birchgrove House, Charlwood House, Dorchester House and Earls House were all subject to EWS1 surveys and in all cases were awarded an A1 Rating, which means “There are no attachments whose construction includes significant quantities of combustible materials”. Farringdon House does not require a rating due to its lower height.
Leaseholders may request a copy of their EWS1 certificate from PBM.
